Vision and Guiding Principles

To give rise to a celebrated 21st century park that defines and shapes a great city

Our Guiding Principles

We are stewards in the design, planning, management and maintenance of Shelby Farms Park and guided by our core beliefs:

• We are leading the reinvention of large urban parks.
• We are creating a constantly improving park that is layered, flexible and adaptive.
• We are creating an exceptional and distinctive park that capitalizes on its unique natural resources and size.
• We insist on both environmental and financial sustainability.
• Shelby Farms Park will capitalize on its size to create options: places grand and expansive and others small and personal.
• Shelby Farms Park will connect and strengthen the fabric of community through its accessibility, inclusiveness and connections to the city.
• We are creating a beloved place where powerful memories are delivered to the people of Shelby County.
• We are known for work that is bold, dedicated, visionary, and public-spirited.

Pivotal Questions

• Does it promote green and open?
• Is it flexible and adaptive?
• Is it accessible and inviting?
• Is it environmentally and financially sustainable?
• Is it exceptional and distinctive?
• Does it capitalize on the size of the park?
• Does it respect the limitations of the easement?
• Does it capitalize on our natural resources?
• Does it reflect the highest possible standards?
• Does it encourage a sense of community?
• Is it safe?